As the deadline approaches to delegate Covid relief funds, officials with the city of St. Joseph feel they are in a good place.  

City Manager Bryan Carter says currently there are a few projects that are nearing a deadline on delegating spending, but it’s not to a point he's concerned. 

"There is still time to get that money incumbered, get it obligated," Carter tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "There is however one element out there that we're going to have to address, and we're going to have to thread the needle a little bit on the timing of this one, and that is the fact that we've left roughly $1 million in money that is not allocated to any particular project or expense." 

However, Carter also says you don't want to get in a situation where things are getting done at the gun. 

"You want to have time for if there is an unexpected need to cancel a council meeting or if something the money is going to be spent on becomes controversial and needs a lot more public input before it gets spent, you don't want to be under the gun on that," Carter explains. "From our perspective on the administrative side, we want to make sure we have all the information to the city council, and they can make a decision when it's not a time pressured decision." 

Several projects around St. Joseph have benefited from these federal funds, including expansion at Hillyard Technical Center and the Missouri Western CTAC, among others. 

Federal money was a key part in renovations of the Civic Arena, with new seats and a new scoreboard, but work is continuing on the arena.  

Carter says on top of the renovations have been done, currently upgraded bathrooms are being designed.  

"To replace, or modernize, the restroom facilities, getting ready to go through painting to the interior and exterior of Civic Arena," Carter says. "So, a lot of those key elements that are necessary to make it look better, but also necessary to make it function better." 

Money from the Capital Improvement Project and the parks tax passed in 2021. The deadline to obligate remaining COVID relief funds is the end of the year. 

The deadline to obligate funds is the end of the year, with the deadline to spend the money coming in 2026. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As the deadline approaches to delegate Covid relief funds, officials with the city of St. Joseph feel they are in a good place. City Manager Bryan Carter says currently there are a few projects that are nearing a deadline on delegating spending, but it’s not to a point he's concerned. "There is still time to get that money incumbered, get it obligated," Carter tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "There is however one element out there that we're going to have to address, and we're going to have to thread the needle a little bit on the timing of this one, and that is the fact that we've left roughly $1 million in money that is not allocated to any particular project or expense." However, Carter also says you don't want to get in a situation where things are getting done at the gun. "You want to have time for if there is an unexpected need to cancel a council meeting or if something the money is going to be spent on becomes controversial and needs a lot more public input before it gets spent, you don't want to be under the gun on that," Carter explains. "From our perspective on the administrative side, we want to make sure we have all the information to the city council, and they can make a decision when it's not a time pressured decision." Several projects around St. Joseph have benefited from these federal funds, including expansion at Hillyard Technical Center and the Missouri Western CTAC, among others. Federal money was a key part in renovations of the Civic Arena, with new seats and a new scoreboard, but work is continuing on the arena. Carter says on top of the renovations have been done, currently upgraded bathrooms are being designed. "To replace, or modernize, the restroom facilities, getting ready to go through painting to the interior and exterior of Civic Arena," Carter says. "So, a lot of those key elements that are necessary to make it look better, but also necessary to make it function better." Money from the Capital Improvement Project and the parks tax passed in 2021. The deadline to obligate remaining COVID relief funds is the end of the year. The deadline to obligate funds is the end of the year, with the deadline to spend the money coming in 2026. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Halfway to deadlilne day city officials confident federal funds will be obligated

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Missouri House committee began a new phase Tuesday of a years-long process to create a formula to fund the state’s higher education institutions.

Led by state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, the Special Interim Committee on Higher Education Performance Funding is hoping to pick a performance-based formula that would determine funding while allotting for institutions’ unique missions.

Shields sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2905&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;in January pushing for the switch in higher-education funding, which passed a committee but was never debated by the full House.

The pressure to establish a formula stems from a 2022 appropriations bill that gave the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development $450,000 to commission “a study which provides recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on public higher education performance funding models.” The department has been working with the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems since and has created&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/about/legislative/HigherEducationFundingStudy.php" target="_blank">reports on higher-education funding and efficiency</a>.

“It is a long haul to make this happen if we do the testing correctly,” Shields told the committee Tuesday afternoon.

She predicted the first year of implementation would be 2027, and she aims to have a model by January that the committee can “run simulations with.”

Committee members commented that it was a challenge to create a formula for higher education — especially when term limits place a ceiling on legislators’ experience.

“I’m concerned about the technicality of what we are talking about here that is beyond my experience and perhaps ability to understand,” said state Rep. John Black, a Marshfield Republican.

Black noted that he, as well as Shields and committee member state Rep. Kevin Windham, have two years remaining in the House.

“The legislature will never understand some of these parameters at a level necessary to implement a good program. We are going to have to give over some authority to the department,” he said.

He said they will have to “convince” fellow House members to give power to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Windham, a Democrat from Hillsdale, said they will need the Senate’s authorization.

Shields suggested expanding the group to a joint committee, incorporating senators.

Leroy Wade, deputy commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, described a process of cooperation between the committee, the department and higher-education institutions, with the department serving as a liaison and source of manpower for the calculations involved.

Many of the state’s colleges sent a representative to talk to the committee Tuesday, answering what they wanted out of the funding model.

Mun Choi, president of University of Missouri System and chancellor of its flagship campus in Columbia, said his ideal formula would reward “strong outcomes such as high graduation rates and high future earnings.”

He said it should also account for pricier degree programs, comparing the cost of educating an engineering student versus a history major.

“The formula should also reflect the unique missions of all of the public universities in the state,” he said. “In fiscal year 2023 the University of Missouri System spent $600 million in expenditures to support research that led to discovery but also had impact to the region and the state.”

Elizabeth Kennedy, chair of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri and president of Missouri Western State University, said lawmakers should consider historic underfunding.

The Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri has 10 member schools, including the state’s two historically Black universities, Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. A federal report recently showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-study-of-lincoln-university-funding-inequity/">Missouri, among other states, has been underfunding</a>&nbsp;its historically Black land-grant university.

Windham said funding imbalances are a challenge as the committee discusses performance funding.

“I find it hard to talk about performance funding when I think about how institutions have been underfunded, some worse than others in the state,” he said. “The institutions that have seen significant investments in the past from the state will likely do better than most.”

Kennedy said the committee has the opportunity to study this.

Kimberly Beatty, chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, said the funding model must account for the differences between four-year institutions and community colleges. She said the current way colleges are funded has left state aid out of valuable programs.

“We do the apprenticeship programs. We have (certified nurse assistant) programs, manufacturing, welding, and all of those are apprenticeship programs,” she said. “None of those apprenticeship programs or their enrollees are considered in the current funding model.”

She said non-credit programs, which provide workforce training, provide workforce development for Missouri but are not funded at the state level.

“We’d like to see the value of workforce programs included in the funding model, whether those are credit programs or non-credit programs,” she said.

Beatty said around 20% of students are currently not counted towards full-time enrollment, as funded currently.

Full-time enrollment is one metric among many that may be incorporated into the formula. Currently, performance funding is not in effect in the budget process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719576316247.png" alt="Rep. Brenda Shields. R-St. Joseph, is leading a special committee that seeks to set a performance-based formula for higher education funding (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Shields. R-St. Joseph, is leading a special committee that seeks to set a performance-based formula for higher education funding (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Missouri House committee began a new phase Tuesday of a years-long process to create a formula to fund the state’s higher education institutions.Led by state Rep. Brenda Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, the Special Interim Committee on Higher Education Performance Funding is hoping to pick a performance-based formula that would determine funding while allotting for institutions’ unique missions.Shields sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2905&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;in January pushing for the switch in higher-education funding, which passed a committee but was never debated by the full House.The pressure to establish a formula stems from a 2022 appropriations bill that gave the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development $450,000 to commission “a study which provides recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on public higher education performance funding models.” The department has been working with the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems since and has created&nbsp;<a href="https://dhewd.mo.gov/about/legislative/HigherEducationFundingStudy.php" target="_blank">reports on higher-education funding and efficiency</a>.“It is a long haul to make this happen if we do the testing correctly,” Shields told the committee Tuesday afternoon.She predicted the first year of implementation would be 2027, and she aims to have a model by January that the committee can “run simulations with.”Committee members commented that it was a challenge to create a formula for higher education — especially when term limits place a ceiling on legislators’ experience.“I’m concerned about the technicality of what we are talking about here that is beyond my experience and perhaps ability to understand,” said state Rep. John Black, a Marshfield Republican.Black noted that he, as well as Shields and committee member state Rep. Kevin Windham, have two years remaining in the House.“The legislature will never understand some of these parameters at a level necessary to implement a good program. We are going to have to give over some authority to the department,” he said.He said they will have to “convince” fellow House members to give power to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.Windham, a Democrat from Hillsdale, said they will need the Senate’s authorization.Shields suggested expanding the group to a joint committee, incorporating senators.Leroy Wade, deputy commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, described a process of cooperation between the committee, the department and higher-education institutions, with the department serving as a liaison and source of manpower for the calculations involved.Many of the state’s colleges sent a representative to talk to the committee Tuesday, answering what they wanted out of the funding model.Mun Choi, president of University of Missouri System and chancellor of its flagship campus in Columbia, said his ideal formula would reward “strong outcomes such as high graduation rates and high future earnings.”He said it should also account for pricier degree programs, comparing the cost of educating an engineering student versus a history major.“The formula should also reflect the unique missions of all of the public universities in the state,” he said. “In fiscal year 2023 the University of Missouri System spent $600 million in expenditures to support research that led to discovery but also had impact to the region and the state.”Elizabeth Kennedy, chair of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri and president of Missouri Western State University, said lawmakers should consider historic underfunding.The Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri has 10 member schools, including the state’s two historically Black universities, Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. A federal report recently showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-study-of-lincoln-university-funding-inequity/">Missouri, among other states, has been underfunding</a>&nbsp;its historically Black land-grant university.Windham said funding imbalances are a challenge as the committee discusses performance funding.“I find it hard to talk about performance funding when I think about how institutions have been underfunded, some worse than others in the state,” he said. “The institutions that have seen significant investments in the past from the state will likely do better than most.”Kennedy said the committee has the opportunity to study this.Kimberly Beatty, chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, said the funding model must account for the differences between four-year institutions and community colleges. She said the current way colleges are funded has left state aid out of valuable programs.“We do the apprenticeship programs. We have (certified nurse assistant) programs, manufacturing, welding, and all of those are apprenticeship programs,” she said. “None of those apprenticeship programs or their enrollees are considered in the current funding model.”She said non-credit programs, which provide workforce training, provide workforce development for Missouri but are not funded at the state level.“We’d like to see the value of workforce programs included in the funding model, whether those are credit programs or non-credit programs,” she said.Beatty said around 20% of students are currently not counted towards full-time enrollment, as funded currently.Full-time enrollment is one metric among many that may be incorporated into the formula. Currently, performance funding is not in effect in the budget process.

Missouri committee sets goal to enact performance funding formula for higher education

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Daniel J. King, 35, Grant City, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany.

The car rear-ended a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Michelle L. Teater, 46, Albany, was was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.

Grant River ambulance transported Teater to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; King was not injured. Teater was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Thursday in Gentry County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Fusion driven by Daniel J. King, 35, Grant City, was westbound on U.S. 136 in Albany.The car rear-ended a 2007 Ford Taurus driven by Michelle L. Teater, 46, Albany, was was stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn.Grant River ambulance transported Teater to Mosaic in Albany.&nbsp; King was not injured. Teater was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after rear-end crash

St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar will retire at the
end of the coming school year.

Edgar informed the Board of Education about his decision during
an executive session following its meeting Wednesday night.

Edgar, who is 51, says he will be leaving public education for
opportunities in the private sector.

“Public education’s been my life for a long time and I’m to
the point where my years of service plus my age adds together to be 80 and out,
which gets me to a full public school retirement,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “And I just felt like it was time.”

Edgar served as Marceline school superintendent for 11 years
before moving to St. Joseph to become Director of Finance for the St. Joseph
School District, beginning with the 2018-19 school year. Edgar moved up to
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations the following school year.
He became superintendent in 2022 when Doug Van Zyl moved on.

Edgar doesn’t expect much to change in his final year as superintendent
and though he is leaving, he has work to do in his final year.

“One thing that I did promise to the Board of Education, there’s
a long-range plan that we’ve been discussing over several months. I promised
them that that would be my number one goal, to make sure that that’s a seamless
process,” Edgar says. “Because that’s a big deal; the two high school model,
the four middle school model. We’re making a lot of progress on that. So, I
think that’s the number one priority.”

Edgar says another priority is to continue the push for big
change within the district, to try different approaches. If they don’t work,
Edgar says they will try other approaches. He says students need to make better
academic progress and the district needs to better tailor its curriculum to the
students’ needs. Discipline also needs to be emphasized, because rowdy
classrooms contribute to teachers leaving the profession.

Edgar sites as successes putting the district’s finances on
sound footing as an assistant superintendent and expansion of Hillyard Technical
Center as superintendent.

A search for his replacement will begin soon and Edgar says community
relations needs to be a top priority in the search for his successor.

“And I say that because of all of the struggles that the
public education system has had here in St. Joe,” Edgar says. “I really think
the next person needs to be somebody that can relate to the community.”

Edgar's
retirement is effective June 30th, 2025. 

The St.
Joseph Board of Education will announce the search process for the new
superintendent later.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719515620394.jpeg" alt="Gabe Edgar speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Edgar speaks with host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar will retire at the
end of the coming school year.Edgar informed the Board of Education about his decision during
an executive session following its meeting Wednesday night.Edgar, who is 51, says he will be leaving public education for
opportunities in the private sector.“Public education’s been my life for a long time and I’m to
the point where my years of service plus my age adds together to be 80 and out,
which gets me to a full public school retirement,” Edgar tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “And I just felt like it was time.”Edgar served as Marceline school superintendent for 11 years
before moving to St. Joseph to become Director of Finance for the St. Joseph
School District, beginning with the 2018-19 school year. Edgar moved up to
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations the following school year.
He became superintendent in 2022 when Doug Van Zyl moved on.Edgar doesn’t expect much to change in his final year as superintendent
and though he is leaving, he has work to do in his final year.“One thing that I did promise to the Board of Education, there’s
a long-range plan that we’ve been discussing over several months. I promised
them that that would be my number one goal, to make sure that that’s a seamless
process,” Edgar says. “Because that’s a big deal; the two high school model,
the four middle school model. We’re making a lot of progress on that. So, I
think that’s the number one priority.”Edgar says another priority is to continue the push for big
change within the district, to try different approaches. If they don’t work,
Edgar says they will try other approaches. He says students need to make better
academic progress and the district needs to better tailor its curriculum to the
students’ needs. Discipline also needs to be emphasized, because rowdy
classrooms contribute to teachers leaving the profession.Edgar sites as successes putting the district’s finances on
sound footing as an assistant superintendent and expansion of Hillyard Technical
Center as superintendent.A search for his replacement will begin soon and Edgar says community
relations needs to be a top priority in the search for his successor.“And I say that because of all of the struggles that the
public education system has had here in St. Joe,” Edgar says. “I really think
the next person needs to be somebody that can relate to the community.”Edgar's
retirement is effective June 30th, 2025. The St.
Joseph Board of Education will announce the search process for the new
superintendent later.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/St--Joseph-School-Supt--Gabe-Edgar-is-retiring-e2lcu1l" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph school Supt. Edgar retiring to pursue other opportunities

Former CAP St. Joe Executive Director Whitney Lanning says
politics push her out of the position she held the past nine years.

The CAP St. Joe board fired Lanning shortly after the Missouri
Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the state budget
stripping the organization of $3 million. The amendment ultimately was
rescinded and the funding restored.

Lanning, a Democrat, doubts denials by both Republican
Senators Tony Luetkemeyer and Rusty Black, members of the committee, that they
had anything to do with it, saying neither reached out to her or CAP St. Joe
about the funding.

“Which I think anyone would have expected if they were truly surprised
and had nothing to do with it,” Lanning tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an
interview.

Missouri has several Community Action Partnerships that formed
the Missouri Community Action Network dealing with poverty throughout the state,
but the amendment approved by the Senate committee would have only affected the
St. Joseph Community Action Partnership serving Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and
DeKalb Counties. Lanning estimates loss of the funding would have had an impact
on 6,000 area low-income families. 

The target, though, wasn’t the families, according to Lanning,
who says the move in Jefferson City was meant to send a message to St. Joseph.

“It’s meant to scare me, but it’s also meant to scare other
people,” Lanning says. “This is what will happen to you if you go up against
people in power in St. Joseph.”

Lanning had been with CAP St. Joe for 11 years, serving as
executive director for nine.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0c5f3d0c-ccae-47c1-a942-302c09c5839d">Sen. Luetkemeyer, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, denied have anything to do with the amendment in an earlier interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.</a>

Black, who is from Chillicothe and represents a huge Missouri
Senate district covering northwest Missouri, denies sponsoring the amendment,
but admits to wanting Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.

“I thought that Miss Lanning had went way over the line and
needed to be removed from that position,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And
whenever that amendment came up in the committee, nobody was opposed to it and
it passed.”

Black denies being behind the amendment, but doesn’t deny he
wanted Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.

“Oh, I’ve been public on that, right, that I didn’t think her
leadership was the right thing for CAP St. Joe,” Black says.

Lanning accuses Black and Luetkemeyer of doing the bidding of
the Herzog organization. Lanning accuses Herzog of attempting to undermine public
education, not just in St. Joseph but throughout Missouri.

“This is all deeply connected with Herzog,” according to
Lanning. “This is all deeply connected with their efforts to defund and
dismantle public education.”

Herzog Foundation spokeswoman Elizabeth Roberts denies having
anything to do with the Senate Appropriations Committee amendment, saying she
didn’t know anything about it.

“Our only mission is to improve K through 12 Christian
education. That’s it,” Roberts tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’re not on a
mission to dismantle or defund anyone.”

Roberts also rejects Lanning’s charge that Herzog is
attempting to silence her, stating “the Herzog Foundation is certainly not
trying to silence her.”

Though Lanning lost her position with CAP St. Joe, she says
she will fill out her term on the St. Joseph School Board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719497430686.jpeg" alt="Whitney Lanning/Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Whitney Lanning/Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer CAP St. Joe Executive Director Whitney Lanning says
politics push her out of the position she held the past nine years.The CAP St. Joe board fired Lanning shortly after the Missouri
Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the state budget
stripping the organization of $3 million. The amendment ultimately was
rescinded and the funding restored.Lanning, a Democrat, doubts denials by both Republican
Senators Tony Luetkemeyer and Rusty Black, members of the committee, that they
had anything to do with it, saying neither reached out to her or CAP St. Joe
about the funding.“Which I think anyone would have expected if they were truly surprised
and had nothing to do with it,” Lanning tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an
interview.Missouri has several Community Action Partnerships that formed
the Missouri Community Action Network dealing with poverty throughout the state,
but the amendment approved by the Senate committee would have only affected the
St. Joseph Community Action Partnership serving Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, and
DeKalb Counties. Lanning estimates loss of the funding would have had an impact
on 6,000 area low-income families. The target, though, wasn’t the families, according to Lanning,
who says the move in Jefferson City was meant to send a message to St. Joseph.“It’s meant to scare me, but it’s also meant to scare other
people,” Lanning says. “This is what will happen to you if you go up against
people in power in St. Joseph.”Lanning had been with CAP St. Joe for 11 years, serving as
executive director for nine.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/0c5f3d0c-ccae-47c1-a942-302c09c5839d">Sen. Luetkemeyer, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, denied have anything to do with the amendment in an earlier interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.</a>Black, who is from Chillicothe and represents a huge Missouri
Senate district covering northwest Missouri, denies sponsoring the amendment,
but admits to wanting Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.“I thought that Miss Lanning had went way over the line and
needed to be removed from that position,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And
whenever that amendment came up in the committee, nobody was opposed to it and
it passed.”Black denies being behind the amendment, but doesn’t deny he
wanted Lanning out at CAP St. Joe.“Oh, I’ve been public on that, right, that I didn’t think her
leadership was the right thing for CAP St. Joe,” Black says.Lanning accuses Black and Luetkemeyer of doing the bidding of
the Herzog organization. Lanning accuses Herzog of attempting to undermine public
education, not just in St. Joseph but throughout Missouri.“This is all deeply connected with Herzog,” according to
Lanning. “This is all deeply connected with their efforts to defund and
dismantle public education.”Herzog Foundation spokeswoman Elizabeth Roberts denies having
anything to do with the Senate Appropriations Committee amendment, saying she
didn’t know anything about it.“Our only mission is to improve K through 12 Christian
education. That’s it,” Roberts tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’re not on a
mission to dismantle or defund anyone.”Roberts also rejects Lanning’s charge that Herzog is
attempting to silence her, stating “the Herzog Foundation is certainly not
trying to silence her.”Though Lanning lost her position with CAP St. Joe, she says
she will fill out her term on the St. Joseph School Board.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Lanning-says-politics-forced-her-out-at-CAP-St--Joe-e2lckh6" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lanning says politics forced her out at CAP St. Joe

PLATTE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a drowning in Platte County.

Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid response to Houston Lake in Platte County on an apparent drowning, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders discovered the body of a man floating in the water not far from a small dock. The man appeared to have been fishing off the dock.&nbsp; Nobody saw him enter the water and investigators do not know how or why he ended up in the water. 

Two members of KCFD's Rescue entered the water to recover the body. Not knowing how long the individual had been in the water crews on scene performed CPR on the victim once he was removed and transported to him local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Hopkins.

 The cause of the apparent drowning is under investigation by Platte County authorities.&nbsp; His name has not been released.

PLATTE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a drowning in Platte County.Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched on a mutual aid response to Houston Lake in Platte County on an apparent drowning, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders discovered the body of a man floating in the water not far from a small dock. The man appeared to have been fishing off the dock.&nbsp; Nobody saw him enter the water and investigators do not know how or why he ended up in the water. Two members of KCFD's Rescue entered the water to recover the body. Not knowing how long the individual had been in the water crews on scene performed CPR on the victim once he was removed and transported to him local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Hopkins. The cause of the apparent drowning is under investigation by Platte County authorities.&nbsp; His name has not been released.

Fisherman drowns in Platte County lake

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement and child welfare officials are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after an incident at a lake north of Kansas City.

On the afternoon of June 24, two callers to the Clay County Sheriff's office reported about a vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the W Highway bridge near Smithville Lake, according to a media release.

The callers reported a man standing over and possibly assaulting someone. When deputies got there, they found the car with some doors open but no one in sight except a toddler strapped into his car seat. 

The child was red and sweating profusely. Deputies reported their in-car thermometers said the temperature was 100 to 102 degrees at the time. 

Deputies&nbsp; quickly took the boy into one of their air-conditioned vehicles and tried to offer him water while waiting for an ambulance. Other deputies started searching the area, following a trail down to the lake. 

There they saw a man and woman passed out on a blanket with an infant asleep between them. The baby appeared pale and lethargic. The deputies roused the suspects, who appeared and smelled intoxicated.&nbsp; Deputies took the baby into an air-conditioned vehicle, then they asked the suspects if they knew where the toddler was.&nbsp; They did not know.

Deputies later located a large amount of alcoholic drinks in possession of the suspects.

 The children were transported to the hospital, and the Missouri Children’s Division took them into their custody. The woman suspect also was transported to the hospital for dehydration. 

Charges are pending against the suspects following some lab results.&nbsp;

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement and child welfare officials are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after an incident at a lake north of Kansas City.On the afternoon of June 24, two callers to the Clay County Sheriff's office reported about a vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the W Highway bridge near Smithville Lake, according to a media release.The callers reported a man standing over and possibly assaulting someone. When deputies got there, they found the car with some doors open but no one in sight except a toddler strapped into his car seat. The child was red and sweating profusely. Deputies reported their in-car thermometers said the temperature was 100 to 102 degrees at the time. Deputies&nbsp; quickly took the boy into one of their air-conditioned vehicles and tried to offer him water while waiting for an ambulance. Other deputies started searching the area, following a trail down to the lake. There they saw a man and woman passed out on a blanket with an infant asleep between them. The baby appeared pale and lethargic. The deputies roused the suspects, who appeared and smelled intoxicated.&nbsp; Deputies took the baby into an air-conditioned vehicle, then they asked the suspects if they knew where the toddler was.&nbsp; They did not know.Deputies later located a large amount of alcoholic drinks in possession of the suspects. The children were transported to the hospital, and the Missouri Children’s Division took them into their custody. The woman suspect also was transported to the hospital for dehydration. Charges are pending against the suspects following some lab results.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Toddler, baby left unattended in triple-digit heat 

The St. Joseph School District will soon begin a search for a new Superintendent. 

The announcement from the district comes after the Board of Education accepted a letter of intent to retire from Gabe Edgar who announced he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Edgar's resignation is effective June 30th, 2025. 

Board members voted unanimously to accept Edgar's intent to retire in a closed meeting on Wednesday night. 

Edgar began his career in Marceline R-V as a business teacher and coach before serving as superintendent for 11 years. In 2019, Edgar was hired as the district’s Chief Financial Officer. He took the helm of superintendent in July 2022.  

Edgar has worked 28 years in public education. 

“Serving this community has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Edgar said in a news release from the St. Joseph School District. “It has been a pleasure to work with the St. Joseph School District staff and community over the past three years. Together, we have achieved much, and I am confident we will continue to do so this upcoming school year.” 

Under Edgar’s leadership in the St. Joseph School District, a 61-cent renewal levy passed in August 2022 to increase teacher and staff salaries, hire additional support staff, upgrades to heating and cooling systems at schools, safety upgrades throughout schools in the district and preventative maintenance for buildings and equipment. 

A no-tax increase bond passed in April 2024 which will upgrade fine arts programs, improve science and technology programs, install district-wide intercom system, enhance HVAC system efficiency, install turf fields and replace aging tracks at the three high schools and construct new roadways at Oak Grove and Carden Park and replace broken sidewalks. 

“On behalf of the entire district, the Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Edgar for his efforts as superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents, staff, and administrators,” said Board president LaTonya Williams in the news release.  

“There have been several achievements and accomplishments since his appointment. Dr. Edgar will continue to perform his duties through the end of his contract.” 

The board will announce the search process for the new superintendent, who will begin their duties on July 1st, 2025 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657040861642.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph School District will soon begin a search for a new Superintendent. The announcement from the district comes after the Board of Education accepted a letter of intent to retire from Gabe Edgar who announced he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Edgar's resignation is effective June 30th, 2025. Board members voted unanimously to accept Edgar's intent to retire in a closed meeting on Wednesday night. Edgar began his career in Marceline R-V as a business teacher and coach before serving as superintendent for 11 years. In 2019, Edgar was hired as the district’s Chief Financial Officer. He took the helm of superintendent in July 2022. Edgar has worked 28 years in public education. “Serving this community has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Edgar said in a news release from the St. Joseph School District. “It has been a pleasure to work with the St. Joseph School District staff and community over the past three years. Together, we have achieved much, and I am confident we will continue to do so this upcoming school year.” Under Edgar’s leadership in the St. Joseph School District, a 61-cent renewal levy passed in August 2022 to increase teacher and staff salaries, hire additional support staff, upgrades to heating and cooling systems at schools, safety upgrades throughout schools in the district and preventative maintenance for buildings and equipment. A no-tax increase bond passed in April 2024 which will upgrade fine arts programs, improve science and technology programs, install district-wide intercom system, enhance HVAC system efficiency, install turf fields and replace aging tracks at the three high schools and construct new roadways at Oak Grove and Carden Park and replace broken sidewalks. “On behalf of the entire district, the Board of Education expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Edgar for his efforts as superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents, staff, and administrators,” said Board president LaTonya Williams in the news release. “There have been several achievements and accomplishments since his appointment. Dr. Edgar will continue to perform his duties through the end of his contract.” The board will announce the search process for the new superintendent, who will begin their duties on July 1st, 2025

St. Joseph School District prepares for transition as Gabe Edgar announces retirement

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges after an arrest.

On Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, according Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Groshong is in custody on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

In February of 2023, police arrested Groshong during a traffic stop on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719410540142.png" alt="Groshong photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Groshong photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new charges after an arrest.On Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, according Police Chief Mike Wilson.Groshong is in custody on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;In February of 2023, police arrested Groshong during a traffic stop on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas sex offender jailed on new allegations

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Mazda 3 driven by Belinda M. Burgiss, 52, Savannah, was southbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of St. Joseph.

The car rear-ended a 2012 Toyota Sienna driven by Kellie R. Schwabe, 43, Bellevue, Nebraska, who had slowed in traffic congestion.

A private vehicle transported Burgiss to Mosaic Life Care. Schwabe was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Mazda 3 driven by Belinda M. Burgiss, 52, Savannah, was southbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of St. Joseph.The car rear-ended a 2012 Toyota Sienna driven by Kellie R. Schwabe, 43, Bellevue, Nebraska, who had slowed in traffic congestion.A private vehicle transported Burgiss to Mosaic Life Care. Schwabe was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman hospitalized after rear-end crash

The co-founder of a so-called Christian health care sharing ministry in St. Joseph was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for his role in an $8 million wire fraud conspiracy that cheated hundreds of members, and to making false statements on a personal tax return.

Sixty-two-year-old Craig Anthony Reynolds of St. Joseph was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison without parole. Reynolds was taken into custody at the conclusion of a Wednesday hearing to start serving his sentence. The court also ordered Reynolds to pay more than $8 million in restitution to the victims, the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The court also ordered Reynolds to forfeit to the government more than $460,000, which includes proceeds from the sale of a St. Joseph residence and other assets.

Reynolds founded and ran Medical Cost Sharing, a tax-exempt organization, as its president and CEO from 2014-2022. Reynolds pleaded guilty last November to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making false statements on a tax return.

In a separate but related case, co-defendant and 77-year-old James L. McGinnis of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty on April 2nd to the same charges and awaits sentencing. McGinnis co-founded Medical Cost Sharing.

Reynolds and McGinnis collected more than $8 million in member “contributions,” yet paid only 3.1 percent in health care claims so that they could personally profit and take most of the members’ contributions for themselves.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe co-founder of a so-called Christian health care sharing ministry in St. Joseph was sentenced in federal court Wednesday for his role in an $8 million wire fraud conspiracy that cheated hundreds of members, and to making false statements on a personal tax return.Sixty-two-year-old Craig Anthony Reynolds of St. Joseph was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison without parole. Reynolds was taken into custody at the conclusion of a Wednesday hearing to start serving his sentence. The court also ordered Reynolds to pay more than $8 million in restitution to the victims, the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue.The court also ordered Reynolds to forfeit to the government more than $460,000, which includes proceeds from the sale of a St. Joseph residence and other assets.Reynolds founded and ran Medical Cost Sharing, a tax-exempt organization, as its president and CEO from 2014-2022. Reynolds pleaded guilty last November to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making false statements on a tax return.In a separate but related case, co-defendant and 77-year-old James L. McGinnis of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty on April 2nd to the same charges and awaits sentencing. McGinnis co-founded Medical Cost Sharing.Reynolds and McGinnis collected more than $8 million in member “contributions,” yet paid only 3.1 percent in health care claims so that they could personally profit and take most of the members’ contributions for themselves.

St. Joseph man sentenced in wire fraud scheme Wednesday

The city of Maryville will hold a graveside memorial service for an infant that was found at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park last month.

On the morning of May 25th, a Park employee discovered the body of a deceased male infant while performing routine maintenance.

Maryville Police responded immediately and identified a non-local person of interest in the case. Law enforcement is awaiting DNA analysis from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.

Once the DNA and autopsy results are received, the case will be forwarded to the Nodaway County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Maryville Police.

The City of Maryville will hold a graveside memorial service for the infant this Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of Maryville will hold a graveside memorial service for an infant that was found at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park last month.On the morning of May 25th, a Park employee discovered the body of a deceased male infant while performing routine maintenance.Maryville Police responded immediately and identified a non-local person of interest in the case. Law enforcement is awaiting DNA analysis from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.Once the DNA and autopsy results are received, the case will be forwarded to the Nodaway County Prosecutor’s Office.The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Maryville Police.The City of Maryville will hold a graveside memorial service for the infant this Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery.

City of Maryville to hold memorial service for infant found at Mozingo Lake Park

Two men who were instrumental in bringing Kansas City Chiefs training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph are now members of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Dirck Clark, former president of the Missouri Western Board of Governors, and Charlie Shields, former State Senator of the 34th District, were among the inductees in this year’s St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class.

Shields, a St. Joseph resident, says he was surprised by the honor, but humbled nonetheless.

"It's been awhile since we actually got training camp to St. Joseph," Shields told KFEQ Radio. "It's a great honor and I know Dirck (Clark) feels the same thing to be recognized for our efforts to help bring the camp to St. Joseph."

Training camp has been in St. Joseph since 2010. Leading up that, Shields says it was a years-long process of getting the agreement done.

The idea and vision of camp being held at Missouri Western really started several years before 2010, when the team held OTAs on campus.

"A few years before we located the camp, we had summer OTAs at Missouri Western," Shields recalled. "And the community just turned out. It was a beautiful summer morning, and I think the Chiefs were impressed with how the community turned out, what the facilities looked like and I think they started to see the possibility."

Talks continued between Shields, then President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate, the Missouri Western Board of Governors and Chiefs ownership about moving training camp from River Falls, Wisconsin to St. Joseph.

 Shields says there was a meeting with then Chiefs General Manager Carl Peterson and team chairman Clark Hunt at halftime of a preseason game with the St. Louis Rams.

Part of the agreement was Shields securing $25 million in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board to help with Arrowhead Stadium renovations.

"But, there's really one thing that was going to make this attractive - bringing the camp back to St. Joseph and Missouri," Shields said, "and they agreed that it was a great idea. That if we put a package together, they would do that. That's exactly how the whole thing got started."

As part of the plan, the Chiefs donated $10 million to Missouri Western to help with construction of the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex and other facilities to help lure the Chiefs to campus.

The original deal was for five seasons. Now, 14 years later, Shields says all of Chiefs Kingdom can see how beneficial and impactful having the camp at Missouri Western has been.

"The indoor training facility with the weight rooms, conditioning rooms, therapy rooms, all top notch. All of that adds together as to why that thing has been there 14 years. It's good for the Chiefs, the community and Missouri Western."

"And the fans, all you have to do is watch on one of those practice mornings, the trail of cars coming up from Kansas City to see training camp. It shows that it makes a huge impact."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719427664252.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by&nbsp; Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by&nbsp; Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTwo men who were instrumental in bringing Kansas City Chiefs training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph are now members of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame.Dirck Clark, former president of the Missouri Western Board of Governors, and Charlie Shields, former State Senator of the 34th District, were among the inductees in this year’s St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class.Shields, a St. Joseph resident, says he was surprised by the honor, but humbled nonetheless."It's been awhile since we actually got training camp to St. Joseph," Shields told KFEQ Radio. "It's a great honor and I know Dirck (Clark) feels the same thing to be recognized for our efforts to help bring the camp to St. Joseph."Training camp has been in St. Joseph since 2010. Leading up that, Shields says it was a years-long process of getting the agreement done.The idea and vision of camp being held at Missouri Western really started several years before 2010, when the team held OTAs on campus."A few years before we located the camp, we had summer OTAs at Missouri Western," Shields recalled. "And the community just turned out. It was a beautiful summer morning, and I think the Chiefs were impressed with how the community turned out, what the facilities looked like and I think they started to see the possibility."Talks continued between Shields, then President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate, the Missouri Western Board of Governors and Chiefs ownership about moving training camp from River Falls, Wisconsin to St. Joseph. Shields says there was a meeting with then Chiefs General Manager Carl Peterson and team chairman Clark Hunt at halftime of a preseason game with the St. Louis Rams.Part of the agreement was Shields securing $25 million in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board to help with Arrowhead Stadium renovations."But, there's really one thing that was going to make this attractive - bringing the camp back to St. Joseph and Missouri," Shields said, "and they agreed that it was a great idea. That if we put a package together, they would do that. That's exactly how the whole thing got started."As part of the plan, the Chiefs donated $10 million to Missouri Western to help with construction of the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex and other facilities to help lure the Chiefs to campus.The original deal was for five seasons. Now, 14 years later, Shields says all of Chiefs Kingdom can see how beneficial and impactful having the camp at Missouri Western has been."The indoor training facility with the weight rooms, conditioning rooms, therapy rooms, all top notch. All of that adds together as to why that thing has been there 14 years. It's good for the Chiefs, the community and Missouri Western.""And the fans, all you have to do is watch on one of those practice mornings, the trail of cars coming up from Kansas City to see training camp. It shows that it makes a huge impact."Charlie Shields interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Charlie-Shields---history-of-Chiefs-camp-e2lbfbj" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719427899002.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Charlie Shields recalls the agreement that first brought Chiefs camp to St. Joseph

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has extended the state’s
emergency declaration to cover potential Missouri River flooding.

Parson first declared a State of Emergency on May 2nd
in response to severe weather, primarily in southern Missouri.

Executive Order 24-08 extends that State of Emergency to
prepare for potential flooding along the Missouri River as floodwaters from
northwest Iowa make their way downstream on the Missouri. Rulo, Nebraska has
already experienced minor-to-moderate flooding with St. Joseph expected to see
a crest of the Missouri River at 24 feet by the end of this week, which is
considered moderate flooding.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reduced water releases
from Gavins Point Dam into the Missouri River from 24,000 cubic feet per second
to 20,000 cfs.

“We have seen the tremendous, destructive force of flooding
this past week in neighboring states to our north and must ensure resources are
available should flooding threaten areas of our state,” Gov. Parson
said in a written statement released by his office. “This extension allows
us to be ready to respond and support our communities. We encourage Missourians
to follow their local forecasts and have preparations in place to protect
themselves and their loved ones.”

Extending the State of Emergency authorizes the state to
directly assist local jurisdictions, allowing increased flexibility and
capacity to support response and recovery efforts. A State of Emergency is also
the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to seek a
major disaster declaration if statewide damages meet federal thresholds for
Missouri, according to the governor’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719422484408.jpeg" alt="Missouri River flooding along I-29 in Sioux City, Iowa/KSCJ photo, courtesy of Radio Iowa" />
 <figcaption>Missouri River flooding along I-29 in Sioux City, Iowa/KSCJ photo, courtesy of Radio Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike Parson has extended the state’s
emergency declaration to cover potential Missouri River flooding.Parson first declared a State of Emergency on May 2nd
in response to severe weather, primarily in southern Missouri.Executive Order 24-08 extends that State of Emergency to
prepare for potential flooding along the Missouri River as floodwaters from
northwest Iowa make their way downstream on the Missouri. Rulo, Nebraska has
already experienced minor-to-moderate flooding with St. Joseph expected to see
a crest of the Missouri River at 24 feet by the end of this week, which is
considered moderate flooding.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reduced water releases
from Gavins Point Dam into the Missouri River from 24,000 cubic feet per second
to 20,000 cfs.“We have seen the tremendous, destructive force of flooding
this past week in neighboring states to our north and must ensure resources are
available should flooding threaten areas of our state,” Gov. Parson
said in a written statement released by his office. “This extension allows
us to be ready to respond and support our communities. We encourage Missourians
to follow their local forecasts and have preparations in place to protect
themselves and their loved ones.”Extending the State of Emergency authorizes the state to
directly assist local jurisdictions, allowing increased flexibility and
capacity to support response and recovery efforts. A State of Emergency is also
the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to seek a
major disaster declaration if statewide damages meet federal thresholds for
Missouri, according to the governor’s office.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Gov. Parson extends state of emergency to cover potential Missouri River flooding

Filming on a movie described by director Joshua Brandon as a family dramedy called '25 Miles to Normal' is taking place in St. Joseph and Kansas City.  

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says if it wasn't for Missouri's film tax credit, Missouri wouldn't have even been considered. 

"Just because it's such a competitive industry and there's so much money in film, I mean it's probably the most expensive artform out there, it's a multibillion dollar industry," Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, anywhere that they can save money at all matters a great deal." 

The movie, both written and directed by Brandon, focuses on a doctor and his estranged father who reluctantly agrees to reunite at a family reunion.  

Mengel says the impact the film will have on tourism is two-fold, starting in pre-production 

Just before everything goes on, leading up to when they are filming, they will spend a ton of money researching and looking for the right places, throwing themselves into the community, Mengel explains. 

And on the back end of production, Mengel says the filmmakers will share in their own circle the experience they had filming here 

"We want that to obviously be a super positive experience, we want people to know its a film friendly community, so that's what we're going to try to leave them with," Mengel says. 

Mengel says films and TV shows also carry a powerful weight in influencing places where people want to travel to see unique locations where it's filmed. 

The newly reinstated tax credit for movie production was vital in bringing the production team for '25 Miles to Normal' to St. Joseph and Kansas City. 

Mengel says just as important was the community support shown during visits from producers. 

" I saw all of them interact with locals here, and locals who had no idea that they were searching for their next film location," Mengel points out. "And they were just hit with awesome hospitality, and they were super welcoming, and they were instantly excited to tell them about their own building, their own place, or their own history they knew about something." 

Filming for the movie is underway and will run through July. For more information on the film, you can visit click <a href="https://www.25milestonormal.com/">HERE</a>.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Hollywood is coming to the St. Joseph. Filming on a movie described by director Joshua Brandon as a family dramedy called '25 Miles to Normal' is taking place in St. Joseph and Kansas City. St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says if it wasn't for Missouri's film tax credit, Missouri wouldn't have even been considered. "Just because it's such a competitive industry and there's so much money in film, I mean it's probably the most expensive artform out there, it's a multibillion dollar industry," Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, anywhere that they can save money at all matters a great deal." The movie, both written and directed by Brandon, focuses on a doctor and his estranged father who reluctantly agrees to reunite at a family reunion. Mengel says the impact the film will have on tourism is two-fold, starting in pre-production Just before everything goes on, leading up to when they are filming, they will spend a ton of money researching and looking for the right places, throwing themselves into the community, Mengel explains. And on the back end of production, Mengel says the filmmakers will share in their own circle the experience they had filming here "We want that to obviously be a super positive experience, we want people to know its a film friendly community, so that's what we're going to try to leave them with," Mengel says. Mengel says films and TV shows also carry a powerful weight in influencing places where people want to travel to see unique locations where it's filmed. The newly reinstated tax credit for movie production was vital in bringing the production team for '25 Miles to Normal' to St. Joseph and Kansas City. Mengel says just as important was the community support shown during visits from producers. " I saw all of them interact with locals here, and locals who had no idea that they were searching for their next film location," Mengel points out. "And they were just hit with awesome hospitality, and they were super welcoming, and they were instantly excited to tell them about their own building, their own place, or their own history they knew about something." Filming for the movie is underway and will run through July. For more information on the film, you can visit click <a href="https://www.25milestonormal.com/">HERE</a>.

Hollywood comes to St. Joseph

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves praises
the job House Speaker Mike Johnson has done after assuming the role in wake of
Kevin McCarthy’s ouster.

Graves, a Republican, says Johnson inherited the
same small faction of Republicans who drove McCarthy from the speakership.

“See, the unfortunate part is there are people on
the Republican side and there are people on the Democrat side that would rather
blow the process up than govern,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s
what’s unfortunate, because Congress is suppose to govern and that takes
compromise.”

Graves says with such a slim majority, Johnson
has had to navigate very rough political waters.

“But this idea that it’s all or nothing is what’s
the problem,” Graves says, referring to some of his fellow Republicans. “And when
you have as thin a margin as Speaker Johnson has, or as Speaker McCarthy had
prior to that, it makes it very, very tough to do the job, to govern.”

Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz led a successful effort
to remove California Congressman Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. Gaetz,
who complained McCarthy compromised too much with President Biden and
Democrats, relied on 208 Democrats along with only seven Republicans to pass a
motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair. Republicans scrambled to promote a
successor, finally settling on Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who had served as the
vice chair of the House Republican Conference.

Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene failed in a
similar effort against Johnson, who she called “pathetic, weak, and
unacceptable.” An overwhelming majority of the U.S. House voted against Greene’s
motion.

“You know, it’s unfortunate that they have to
deal with this, but I think Mike is doing a good job and I support him,” Graves
says.

There are 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats in
the United States House with four vacancies.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves praises
the job House Speaker Mike Johnson has done after assuming the role in wake of
Kevin McCarthy’s ouster.Graves, a Republican, says Johnson inherited the
same small faction of Republicans who drove McCarthy from the speakership.“See, the unfortunate part is there are people on
the Republican side and there are people on the Democrat side that would rather
blow the process up than govern,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “That’s
what’s unfortunate, because Congress is suppose to govern and that takes
compromise.”Graves says with such a slim majority, Johnson
has had to navigate very rough political waters.“But this idea that it’s all or nothing is what’s
the problem,” Graves says, referring to some of his fellow Republicans. “And when
you have as thin a margin as Speaker Johnson has, or as Speaker McCarthy had
prior to that, it makes it very, very tough to do the job, to govern.”Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz led a successful effort
to remove California Congressman Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. Gaetz,
who complained McCarthy compromised too much with President Biden and
Democrats, relied on 208 Democrats along with only seven Republicans to pass a
motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair. Republicans scrambled to promote a
successor, finally settling on Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who had served as the
vice chair of the House Republican Conference.Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene failed in a
similar effort against Johnson, who she called “pathetic, weak, and
unacceptable.” An overwhelming majority of the U.S. House voted against Greene’s
motion.“You know, it’s unfortunate that they have to
deal with this, but I think Mike is doing a good job and I support him,” Graves
says.There are 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats in
the United States House with four vacancies.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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